U-shaped gutter drain

ABSTRACT

A gutter drain is used in connection with a gutter around a hatch mounted in an opening of a boat deck. The gutter drain has a generally U-shaped saddle. The saddle has a pair of opposed side portions extending upward from a bottom portion. The saddle outer surface conforms closely to the gutter inside surface. A circular mounting sleeve is attached to the saddle, and has a plurality of flexible annular rings to mount the gutter drain. A circular nozzle is attached to the mounting sleeve by an elbow having an angle greater than 90°, and has an annular ridge to retain a drain tube. 
     The gutter drain is driven downward into a gutter-mounting hole by a hammer blow, until the saddle is seated in the gutter. The annular rings deflect resiliently upward and are biased outward against the mounting hole, to hold the gutter drain securely in place, and seal against leakage. The saddle side portions are biased outward, and press against the gutter sidewalls to further seal the gutter drain.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of drain connection fittings. Itpertains, more particularly, to a U-shaped fitting to drain water fromthe gutter around the opening of a vehicle roof, and especially to drainwater from the gutter around the opening of a boat hatch.

Water tends to collect in the gutter of a vehicle roof opening. Uponopening a sunroof or hatch, the collected water will drip inside thevehicle, wetting passengers, carpets, and seats. Water leakage can evencause an electrical short, and subsequent fire. The combined action ofwind and vehicle motion will exacerbate the problem. Typical automotivepractice is to weld a nipple to the steel gutter floor, and connect adrain tube leading to a drainage point. Marine practice usually omitsany drain, resulting in water ingress to the boat cabin interior. Marinehatch gutters are typically molded plastic, and cannot be welded.

Gutter drains are known, and have taken a variety of configurations inthe past. Some examples of gutter drains in the prior art are found inthe following patents:

Ono, U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,351, FIG. 4; Kempter, U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,694,FIG. 2; Feng, Publication No. CN 2936843 Y; and Hattass, Publication No.CA 2065891; each shows a gutter of trapezoidal or rectangularcross-section. A drain fitting with a flange is installed in one lowercorner of the gutter. In automotive practice; this has the advantage ofangling the drain fitting to keep a low profile for the headliner. Inmarine practice, it has the disadvantage in that hatches are ofteninstalled in a deck, adjacent significant structural members. An angledfitting could be blocked by a beam or frame. A further disadvantage isthat the angled fitting would have to be custom made to fit thecross-section. A yet further disadvantage is that drilling an angledhole in precisely the right place and angle requires considerable skilland experience. A still further disadvantage is that a corner drain islimited in size, and hence flow capacity. A marine drain must be able tohandle green water flowing across a deck. Another disadvantage is thatthe angled drain must be cemented in place, requiring clean up, andoften resulting in a leaky fitting.

Haight, Publication No. WO 01/00477; Bleich, Publication No. DE19808898; Gourvellec, Publication No. FR 2890617; and Haas, PublicationNo. DE 102005045292; each disclose a drain fitting adapted forinstallation in a flat sheet steel surface. Marine hatch gutters aretypically U-shaped. A limitation of the flat drain is that it will notlie flush with the floor of a U-shaped gutter, nor seal properly. Afurther limitation is that the flat drain is limited in size by notextending up the sidewalls, and the flow capacity is thus compromised.

The prior art devices are all adapted for installation in thin sheetmetal. They show only one gripping element to secure the drain in thegutter. Most of them have an elastomer flange to seal against leakage. Aplurality of gripping elements would better serve to secure the drain inthe thicker marine hatch gutter, and also serve as a seal.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a U-shaped gutter drain that canextend across the floor of a gutter, and up the side walls for maximumsurface area for sealant/adhesive to achieve a secure purchase againstthe gutter, so as to preclude loosening of the drain due to enginevibration, and to allow room for maximum drain capacity.

There is a further need to provide a U-shaped gutter drain of the typedescribed and that is directed straight downward from the gutter floor,and also provides for an elbow portion to direct drain water to theright, left, forward, or aft, so as to clear structural members.

There is a yet further need to provide a U-shaped gutter drain of thetype described and wherein the elbow portion is disposed at an anglesomewhat greater than ninety degrees, so as to completely drain water inthe event that the boat is heeled away from a level condition on atrailer or jacks, and also to facilitate installation into a smallersized hole than is required for a ninety degree elbow.

There is a still further need to provide a U-shaped gutter drain of thetype described and wherein the drain can be installed and secured in aspace too limited to wield a wrench and tighten a nut.

There is another need to provide a U-shaped gutter drain of the typedescribed and wherein the required hole size can be minimized byproviding an elbow portion disposed at angle somewhat greater thanninety degrees, and by offsetting the nozzle downward for greaterclearance at installation.

There is yet another need to provide a U-shaped gutter drain of the typedescribed and that can be quickly and easily installed by semi-skilledworkers.

There is still another need to provide a U-shaped gutter drain of thetype described and that is robust for long service life, and yet can bemanufactured cost-effectively in large quantities of high quality.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a gutterdrain 50 for use in connection with a gutter 30 around a hatch mountedin an opening of a boat deck. The gutter 30 has a generally horizontalfloor 32, and a pair of opposed skim/ails 34, 36, extending upward fromthe floor. A gutter-mounting hole 40, having a predetermined diameter,passes through the floor.

The gutter drain 50 comprises a generally U-shaped saddle 52 extendingbetween opposite first 54 and second 56 ends along a generally verticalsaddle plane. The saddle has a bottom portion 58 and a pair of opposedside portions 60, 62, extending upward from the bottom portion 58 oneither side of the saddle plane. The saddle outer surface is adapted toconform closely to the gutter inside surface. The saddle bottom portion58 is adjacent the gutter floor 32. The saddle side portions 60, 62, areresiliently biased outwardly against the gutter sidewalls 34, 36, toseal the saddle against moisture leakage from the gutter. The saddle hasa saddle hole 68 through the outer surface.

A circular mounting sleeve 70 has an upper end 72 attached to the saddleouter surface, and has a predetermined diameter. The mounting sleeve hasa central axis and a bore 76 in communication with the saddle hole 68. Aplurality of flexible annular rings 90 encircles the mounting sleeve 70for mounting the gutter drain 50 in the gutter-mounting hole 40. Theannular rings have a diameter greater than the mounting holepredetermined diameter.

A circular nozzle 78 is disposed below the mounting sleeve 70. An elbow92 joins the mounting sleeve 70 and the nozzle 78. The nozzle has anouter surface, a central axis, and a nozzle bore 86 in communicationwith the mounting sleeve bore 76. The nozzle 78 has at least one annularridge 88 encircling it to retain a resilient drain tube. The mountingsleeve central axis is disposed at a predetermined angle to the nozzlecentral axis of greater than ninety degrees. This angle facilitatesinstallation of the gutter drain 50 into the mounting hole 40. The anglewill also permit water to completely drain in the event that the boat isheeled away from a level condition while in storage.

Upon assembly of the gutter drain 50, the nozzle 78 is inserted into thegutter-mounting hole 40, and the mounting sleeve 70 is positioned overthe mounting hole 40. The gutter drain 50 is then driven downward intothe mounting hole 40 by a hammer blow, until the saddle outer surface 64is seated in the gutter floor 32. The annular rings 90 deflectresiliently upward and are biased outward against the mounting hole 40,and serve to hold the gutter drain 50 securely in place, while alsosealing against leakage. The saddle side portions 60 and 62 are biasedoutward, and press against the gutter sidewalls 34 and 36. This biasfurther seals the gutter drain 50 against water leakage, and alsofurther stabilizes the gutter drain 50 against movement.

The positioning of the gutter drain 50 in the center of the gutter floor32 helps to maximize the diameter of the gutter drain 50, and thusmaximize the flow rate of water from the gutter 30.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtainedfrom consideration of the following description in conjunction with thedrawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a U-shaped gutter drain constructed inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the U-shaped gutter drain of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 a is a left side cross-sectional elevational view of the U-shapedgutter drain of FIG. 1, taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2,

FIG. 3 b is a cross-sectional elevational view of the U-shaped gutterdrain of FIG. 1, taken along lines 3 b-3 b of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the U-shaped gutter drain of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another U-shaped gutter drainconstructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the U-shaped gutter drain of FIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a left side cross-sectional elevational view of the U-shapedgutter drain of FIG. 5, taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the U-shaped gutter drain of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another U-shaped gutter drainconstructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the U-shaped gutter drain of FIG.9.

FIG. 11 is a left side cross-sectional elevational view of the U-shapedgutter drain of FIG. 9, taken along, lines 11-11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the U-shaped gutter drain of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional, perspective, assembly view of the U-shapedgutter drain of FIG. 1, assembled into a hatch gutter and boat deck.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the assembly of FIG.13, taken along lines 15-15 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged detail view of the annular ring mounting, takenat DET. 16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a left side elevational view of still another U-shaped gutterdrain constructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the U-shaped gutter drain of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a left side elevational view of a further U-shaped gutterdrain constructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the U-shaped gutter drain of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a left side elevational view of a yet further U-shaped gutterdrain constructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the U-shaped gutter drain of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a left side elevational view of a still further U-shapedgutter drain constructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the U-shaped gutter drain of FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawing, and especially to FIGS. 1-4 and 13-16thereof, a gutter drain is shown at 50 and is for use in connection witha gutter 30 around an opening of a vehicle roof. In the preferredembodiment, the gutter 30 is part of a hatch mounted in an opening of aboat deck 46, as shown in FIGS. 13-16. The gutter 34 has a generallyhorizontal floor 32, and a pair of opposed sidewalls 34 and 36,extending upward from the floor 32. The gutter 30 has an inside surface38. The gutter 30 has a mounting hole 40 through the floor 32. Themounting hole 40 has a predetermined diameter. The gutter 30 typicallyhas an outer flange 42 around the periphery for mounting the boat hatchinto an opening in a boat deck 46, and an inner flange 44 for strength.The boat deck 46 typically will have reinforcement around the hatchopening consisting of stringers and frames 48.

The gutter drain 50 comprises a generally U-shaped saddle 52 extendingbetween opposite first 54 and second 56 ends along a generally verticalsaddle plane. The saddle 52 has a bottom portion 58 and a pair ofopposed side portions 60 and 62 extending upward from the bottom portion58 on either side of the saddle plane. The saddle 52 has an outersurface 64 and an opposite inner surface 66. The saddle outer surface 64is adapted to conform closely to the gutter inside surface 38. Thesaddle bottom portion 58 is adjacent the gutter floor 32. Each of thesaddle side portions 60 and 62 are adjacent a respective gutter sidewall 34 and 36. The saddle side portions 60 and 62 are adapted to beresiliently biased outwardly against the gutter sidewalls 34 and 36, soas to seal the saddle 52 against moisture leakage from the gutter 30.Extending the saddle side portions 60 and 62 upward against the guttersidewalls 34 and 36 will also maximize the surface area forsealant/adhesive to achieve a secure purchase against the gutter 30.This large area will preclude loosening of the drain 50 due to enginevibration, and subsequent leakage of water. The leakage could cause anelectrical short-circuit, resulting in a fire. The large cross-sectionalarea will also allow room for maximum drain flow capacity. The saddle 52has a generally vertical saddle hole 68 extending from the outer surface64 through to the inner surface 66.

A mounting sleeve 70 has an upper end 72 attached to the saddle outersurface 64, and extending downward to a lower end 74. The mountingsleeve 70 is generally circular in cross-section, and has apredetermined diameter. The mounting sleeve 70 has a mounting sleevecentral axis and a mounting sleeve bore 76 through the mounting sleeve70 and in communication with the saddle hole 68. At least one, andpreferably a plurality, of flexible annular rings 90 encircles themounting sleeve 70 for mounting the gutter drain 50 in thegutter-mounting hole 40. The annular rings 90 have a diameter greaterthan the mounting hole predetermined diameter.

A nozzle 78 has a proximal end 80 disposed below the mounting sleevelower end 74, and extending outward to a distal end 82. The nozzle 78 isgenerally circular in cross-section. The nozzle 78 has an outer surface84, and a nozzle central axis. The nozzle 78 has a nozzle bore 86through it in communication with the mounting sleeve bore 76. The nozzle78 is adapted to receive a resilient drain tube (not shown). The nozzle78 has at least one annular ridge 88 encircling the nozzle outer surface84. The annular ridge 88 is adapted to retain the drain tube on thenozzle 78.

The mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis aredisposed at a predetermined angle to one another, defining a nozzleplane. In this embodiment, the saddle plane and the nozzle plane aregenerally perpendicular. This directs the nozzle 78 laterally so as todrain water away from the gutter 30, as shown in FIG. 15. The mountingsleeve 70 and the elbow 90 will position the nozzle 78 low enough toclear the deck reinforcement 48.

An elbow 92 joins the mounting sleeve and the nozzle. The elbow 92 has abore 94 in communication with the mounting sleeve bore 76 and the nozzlebore 86. The elbow 92 has an axis where the elbow 92 and the nozzle 78are joined. The predetermined angle between the mounting sleeve centralaxis and the nozzle central axis can be ninety degrees, but preferablyis greater than ninety degrees. Installing the gutter drain 50 in thegutter 30 requires tilting the gutter drain 50, inserting the nozzle 78through the mounting hole 40, and rotating the gutter drain 50 back toan upright position. During this installation, the nozzle 78 tends tostrike the underside of the boat deck 46 or the frames 48. One solutionis to drill a larger diameter mounting hole 40. This is problematic,since the annular rings 90 require a minimal sized mounting hole 40 toseal and grip securely. Setting the predetermined angle to greater thanninety degrees will mitigate the interference. This allows minimizingthe mounting hole diameter, and facilitates installation of the gutterdrain 50 into the mounting hole 40. Setting the predetermined angle togreater than ninety degrees will also permit the water to completelydrain in the event that the boat is heeled away from a level conditionwhile in storage on a trailer or jacks. Drawing FIGS. 3 a and 15 showthe predetermined angle at 100°. Ideally, the predetermined angle willbe between 100° and 110°, and preferably closer to 110°.

Another way to mitigate the interference is to offset the nozzle centralaxis downward from the elbow axis, as shown in FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, and 15.This will also minimize the mounting hole diameter, and facilitateinstallation of the gutter drain 50 into the mounting hole 40.

Upon assembly of the gutter drain 50, the nozzle 78 is inserted into thegutter-mounting hole 40, and the mounting sleeve 70 is positioned overthe mounting hole 40. The gutter drain 50 is then driven downward by ahammer blow, until the saddle outer surface 64 is seated in the gutterfloor 32. The mounting sleeve 70 then enters the mounting hole 40. Theannular rings 90 deflect resiliently upward against the mounting hole40. The annular rings 90 are thereby biased outward against the mountinghole 40, and serve to hold the gutter drain 50 securely in place, whilealso sealing against leakage. This is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Once thesaddle outer surface 64 is seated in the gutter 30, the saddle sideportions 60 and 62 are biased outward, and press against the guttersidewalls 34 and 36. This bias further seals the gutter drain 50 againstwater leakage, and also further stabilizes the gutter drain 50 againstmovement.

The positioning of the gutter drain 50 in the center of the gutter floor32 helps to maximize the diameter of the gutter drain 50. This, in turn,will maximize the flow rate of water from the gutter 30.

Turning now to FIGS. 5-8, as well as FIGS. 13-16, another gutter drainis shown at 150 and is for use in connection with a gutter 30 around anopening of a vehicle roof, as described above.

The gutter drain 150 is similar to gutter drain 50 disclosed above, inthat it comprises a generally U-shaped saddle 152 extending betweenopposite first 154 and second 156 ends along a generally vertical saddleplane. The saddle 152 has a bottom portion 158 and a pair of opposedside portions 160 and 162 extending upward from the bottom portion 158on either side of the saddle plane. The saddle 152 has an outer surface164 and an opposite inner surface 166. The saddle outer surface 164 isadapted to conform closely to the gutter inside surface 38. The saddlebottom portion 158 is adjacent the gutter floor 32. Each of the saddleside portions 160 and 162 are adjacent a respective gutter side wall 34and 36. The saddle side portions 160 and 162 are adapted to beresiliently biased outwardly against the gutter sidewalls 34 and 36, soas to seal the saddle 152 against moisture leakage from the gutter 30.The saddle 152 has a generally vertical saddle hole 168 extending fromthe outer surface 164 through to the inner surface 166.

A mounting sleeve 170 has an upper end 172 attached to the saddle outersurface 164, and extending downward to a lower end 174. The mountingsleeve 170 is generally circular in cross-section, and has apredetermined diameter. The mounting sleeve 170 has a mounting sleevecentral axis and a mounting sleeve bore 176 through the mounting sleeve170 and in communication with the saddle hole 168. A plurality offlexible annular rings 190 encircles the mounting sleeve 170 formounting the gutter drain 150 in the gutter-mounting hole 40. Theannular rings 90 have a diameter greater than the mounting holepredetermined diameter.

A nozzle 178 has a proximal end 180 disposed below the mounting sleevelower end 174, and extending outward to a distal end 182. The nozzle 178is generally circular in cross-section. The nozzle 178 has an outersurface 184, and a nozzle central axis. The nozzle 178 has a nozzle bore186 through it in communication with the mounting sleeve bore 176. Thenozzle 178 is adapted to receive a resilient drain tube (not shown). Thenozzle 178 has at least one annular ridge 188 encircling the nozzleouter surface 184. The annular ridge 188 is adapted to retain the draintube on the nozzle 178.

The mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis aredisposed at a predetermined angle to one another, defining a nozzleplane. The gutter drain 150 differs from gutter drain 50 disclosedabove, in that the saddle plane and the nozzle plane are generallyparallel. This directs the nozzle 178 laterally in the same generaldirection as the gutter 30, providing another mounting option. An elbow192 joins the mounting sleeve to and the nozzle. The elbow 192 has abore 194 in communication with the mounting sleeve bore 176 and thenozzle bore 186.

Assembly of the gutter drain 150 is similar to the assembly of gutterdrain 50. The gutter drain 150 is driven downward by a hammer blow,until the saddle outer surface 164 is seated in the gutter floor 32. Theannular rings 190 deflect resiliently upward against the gutter-mountinghole 40. The annular rings 190 are thereby biased outward against thegutter mounting hole 40, and serve to hold the gutter drain 150 securelyin place, while also sealing against leakage. Once the saddle outersurface 164 is seated in the gutter 30, the saddle side portions 160 and162 are biased outward, and press against the gutter sidewalls 34 and36. This bias further seals the gutter drain 150 against water leakage,and also further stabilizes the gutter drain 150 against movement.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, as well as FIGS. 13-16, another embodimentof the gutter drain is shown at 250 and is for use in connection with agutter 30 around an opening of a vehicle roof, as described above.

The gutter drain 250 is similar to gutter drain 50 disclosed above, inthat it comprises a generally U-shaped saddle 252 extending betweenopposite first 254 and second 256 ends along a generally vertical saddleplane. The saddle 252 has a bottom portion 258 and a pair of opposedside portions 260 and 262 extending upward from the bottom portion 258on either side of the saddle plane. The saddle 252 has an outer surface264 and an opposite inner surface 266. The saddle outer surface 264 isadapted to conform closely to the gutter inside surface 38. The saddlebottom portion 258 is adjacent the gutter floor 32. Each of the saddleside portions 260 and 262 are adjacent a respective gutter side wall 34and 36. The saddle side portions 260 and 262 are adapted to beresiliently biased outwardly against the gutter sidewalls 34 and 36, soas to seal the saddle 252 against moisture leakage from the gutter 30.The saddle 252 has a generally vertical saddle hole 268 extending fromthe outer surface 264 through to the inner surface 266.

A mounting sleeve 270 has an upper end 272 attached to the saddle outersurface 264, and extending downward to a lower end 274. The mountingsleeve 270 is generally circular in cross-section, and has apredetermined diameter. The mounting sleeve 270 has a mounting sleevecentral axis and a mounting sleeve bore 276 through the mounting sleeve270 and in communication with the saddle hole 268. A plurality offlexible annular rings 290 encircles the mounting sleeve 270 formounting the gutter drain 250 in the gutter-mounting hole 40. Theannular rings 290 have a diameter greater than the mounting holepredetermined diameter.

A nozzle 278 has a proximal end 280 attached to the mounting sleevelower end 274, and extending outward to a distal end 282. The nozzle 278is generally circular in cross-section. The nozzle 278 has an outersurface 284, and a nozzle central axis. The nozzle 278 has a nozzle bore286 through it in communication with the mounting sleeve bore 276. Thenozzle 278 is adapted to receive a resilient drain tube (not shown). Thenozzle 278 has at least one annular ridge 288 encircling the nozzleouter surface 284. The annular ridge 288 is adapted to retain the draintube on the nozzle 278.

The gutter drain 250 differs from gutter drain 50 disclosed above, inthat the mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis arecollinear. This directs the nozzle 278 vertically so as to drain waterdownward away from the gutter 30. The mounting sleeve bore 76 is incommunication with the nozzle bore 86.

Assembly of the gutter drain 250 is similar to the assembly of gutterdrain 50. The gutter drain 250 is driven downward by a hammer blow,until the saddle outer surface 264 is seated in the gutter floor 32. Theannular rings 290 deflect resiliently upward against the gutter-mountinghole 40. The annular rings 290 are thereby biased outward against thegutter mounting hole 40, and serve to hold the gutter drain 250 securelyin place, while also sealing against leakage. Once the saddle outersurface 264 is seated in the gutter 30, the saddle side portions 260 and262 are biased outward, and press against the gutter sidewalls 34 and36. This bias further seals the gutter drain 250 against water leakage,and also further stabilizes the gutter drain 250 against movement.

Turning now to FIGS. 17 and 18, as well as FIGS. 13-16, another gutterdrain is shown at 350 and is for use in connection with a gutter (notshown) around an opening of a vehicle roof, as described above.

The gutter drain 350 is similar to gutter drain 50 disclosed above, inthat it comprises a generally U-shaped saddle 352 extending betweenopposite first 354 and second 356 ends along a generally vertical saddleplane. The saddle 352 has a bottom portion 358 and a pair of opposedside portions 360 and 362 extending upward from the bottom portion 358on either side of the saddle plane. The saddle 352 has an outer surface364 and an opposite inner surface 366. The saddle outer surface 364 isadapted to conform closely to the gutter inside surface. The saddlebottom portion 358 is adjacent the gutter floor. Each of the saddle sideportions 360 and 362 are adjacent a respective gutter sidewall. Thesaddle side portions 360 and 362 are adapted to be resiliently biasedoutwardly against the gutter sidewalls, so as to seal the saddle 352against moisture leakage from the gutter. The saddle 352 has a generallyvertical saddle hole 368 extending from the outer surface 364 through tothe inner surface 366.

A mounting sleeve 370 has an upper end 372 attached to the saddle outersurface 364, and extending downward to a lower end 374. The mountingsleeve 370 is generally circular in cross-section, and has apredetermined diameter. The mounting sleeve 370 has a mounting sleevecentral axis and a mounting sleeve bore 376 through the mounting sleeve370 and in communication with the saddle hole 368. A plurality offlexible annular rings 390 encircles the mounting sleeve 370 formounting the gutter drain 350 in the gutter-mounting hole. The annularrings 390 have a diameter greater than the gutter-mounting holepredetermined diameter.

A nozzle 378 has a proximal end 380 disposed below the mounting sleevelower end 374, and extending outward to a distal end 382. The nozzle 378is generally circular in cross-section. The nozzle 378 has an outersurface 384, and a nozzle central axis. The nozzle 378 has a nozzle bore386 through it in communication with the mounting sleeve bore 376. Thenozzle 378 is adapted to receive a resilient drain tube (not shown). Thenozzle 378 has at least one annular ridge 388 encircling the nozzleouter surface 384. The annular ridge 388 is adapted to retain the draintube on the nozzle 378.

The mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis aredisposed at a predetermined angle to one another, defining a nozzleplane. The saddle plane and the nozzle plane are generallyperpendicular. An elbow 392 joins the mounting sleeve and the nozzle.The elbow 392 has a bore 394 in communication with the mounting sleevebore 376 and the nozzle bore 386.

The gutter drain 350 differs from gutter drain 50 disclosed above, inthat gutter drain 50 has a generally U-shaped saddle 52 having across-section of a constant radius arc. The gutter drain 350 has agenerally U-shaped saddle 352 having a rectangular cross-section. Themanner of installing gutter drain 350 is the same as that of gutterdrain 50 disclosed above.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, as well as FIGS. 13-16, another gutterdrain is shown at 450 and is for use in connection with a gutter (notshown) around an opening of a vehicle roof, as described above.

The gutter drain 450 is similar to gutter drain 50 disclosed above, inthat it comprises a generally U-shaped saddle 452 extending betweenopposite first 454 and second 456 ends along a generally vertical saddleplane. The saddle 452 has a bottom portion 458 and a pair of opposedside portions 460 and 462 extending upward from the bottom portion 458on either side of the saddle plane. The saddle 452 has an outer surface464 and an opposite inner surface 466. The saddle outer surface 464 isadapted to conform closely to the gutter inside surface. The saddlebottom portion 458 is adjacent the gutter floor. Each of the saddle sideportions 460 and 462 are adjacent a respective gutter sidewall. Thesaddle side portions 460 and 462 are adapted to be resiliently biasedoutwardly against the gutter sidewalls, so as to seal the saddle 452against moisture leakage from the gutter. The saddle 452 has a generallyvertical saddle hole 468 extending from the outer surface 464 through tothe inner surface 466.

A mounting sleeve 470 has an upper end 472 attached to the saddle outersurface 464, and extending downward to a lower end 474. The mountingsleeve 470 is generally circular in cross-section, and has apredetermined diameter. The mounting sleeve 470 has a mounting sleevecentral axis and a mounting sleeve bore 476 through the mounting sleeve470 and in communication with the saddle hole 468. A plurality offlexible annular rings 490 encircles the mounting sleeve 470 formounting the gutter drain 450 in the gutter-mounting hole. The annularrings 490 have a diameter greater than the gutter-mounting holepredetermined diameter.

A nozzle 478 has a proximal end 480 disposed below the mounting sleevelower end 474, and extending outward to a distal end 482. The nozzle 478is generally circular in cross-section. The nozzle 478 has an outersurface 484, and a nozzle central axis. The nozzle 478 has a nozzle bore486 through it in communication with the mounting sleeve bore 476. Thenozzle 478 is adapted to receive a resilient drain tube (not shown). Thenozzle 478 has at least one annular ridge 488 encircling the nozzleouter surface 484. The annular ridge 488 is adapted to retain the draintube on the nozzle 478.

The mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis aredisposed at a predetermined angle to one another, defining a nozzleplane. The saddle plane and the nozzle plane are generallyperpendicular. An elbow 492 joins the mounting sleeve and the nozzle.The elbow 492 has a bore 494 in communication with the mounting sleevebore 476 and the nozzle bore 486.

The gutter drain 450 differs from gutter drain 50 disclosed above, inthat gutter drain 50 has a generally U-shaped saddle 52 having across-section of a constant radius arc. The gutter drain 450 has agenerally U-shaped saddle 452 having a trapezoidal cross-section. Themanner of installing gutter drain 450 is the same as that of gutterdrain 50 disclosed above.

Turning now to FIGS. 21 and 22, as well as FIGS. 13-16, another gutterdrain is shown at 550 and is for use in connection with a gutter (notshown) around an opening of to a vehicle roof, as described above.

The gutter drain 550 is similar to gutter drain 50 disclosed above, inthat it comprises a generally U-shaped saddle 552 extending betweenopposite first 554 and second 556 ends along a generally vertical saddleplane. The saddle 552 has a bottom portion 558 and a pair of opposedside portions 560 and 562 extending upward from the bottom portion 558on either side of the saddle plane. The saddle 552 has an outer surface564 and an opposite inner surface 566. The saddle outer surface 564 isadapted to conform closely to the gutter inside surface. The saddlebottom portion 558 is adjacent the gutter floor. Each of the saddle sideportions 560 and 562 are adjacent a respective gutter sidewall. Thesaddle side portions 560 and 562 are adapted to be resiliently biasedoutwardly against the gutter sidewalls, so as to seal the saddle 552against moisture leakage from the gutter. The saddle 552 has a generallyvertical saddle hole 568 extending from the outer surface 564 through tothe inner surface 566.

A mounting sleeve 570 has an upper end 572 attached to the saddle outersurface 564, and extending downward to a lower end 574. The mountingsleeve 570 is generally circular in cross-section, and has apredetermined diameter. The mounting sleeve 570 has a mounting sleevecentral axis and a mounting sleeve bore 576 through the mounting sleeve570 and in communication with the saddle hole 568. A plurality offlexible annular rings 590 encircles the mounting sleeve 570 formounting the gutter drain 550 in the gutter-mounting hole. The annularrings 590 have a diameter greater than the gutter-mounting holepredetermined diameter.

A nozzle 578 has a proximal end 580 disposed below the mounting sleevelower end 574, and extending outward to a distal end 582. The nozzle 578is generally circular in cross-section. The nozzle 578 has an outersurface 584, and a nozzle central axis. The nozzle 578 has a nozzle bore586 through it in communication with the mounting sleeve bore 576. Thenozzle 578 is adapted to receive a resilient drain tube (not shown). Thenozzle 578 has at least one annular ridge 588 encircling the nozzleouter surface 584. The annular ridge 588 is adapted to retain the draintube on the nozzle 578.

The mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis aredisposed at a predetermined angle to one another, defining a nozzleplane. The saddle plane and the nozzle plane are generallyperpendicular. An elbow 592 joins the mounting sleeve and the nozzle.The elbow 592 has a bore 594 in communication with the mounting sleevebore 576 and the nozzle bore 586.

The gutter drain 550 differs from gutter drain 50 disclosed above, inthat gutter drain 50 has a generally U-shaped saddle 52 having across-section of a constant radius arc. The gutter drain 550 has agenerally U-shaped saddle 552 having an elliptical cross-section. Themanner of installing gutter drain 550 is the same as that of gutterdrain 50 disclosed above.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, as well as FIGS. 13-16, another gutterdrain is shown at 650 and is for use in connection with a gutter (notshown) around an opening of a vehicle roof, as described above.

The gutter drain 650 is similar to gutter drain 50 disclosed above, inthat it comprises a generally U-shaped saddle 652 extending betweenopposite first 654 and second 656 ends along a generally vertical saddleplane. The saddle 652 has a bottom portion 658 and a pair of opposedside portions 660 and 662 extending upward from the bottom portion 658on either side of the saddle plane. The saddle 652 has an outer surface664 and an opposite inner surface 666. The saddle outer surface 664 isadapted to conform closely to the gutter inside surface. The saddlebottom portion 658 is adjacent the gutter floor. Each of the saddle sideportions 660 and 662 are adjacent a respective gutter sidewall. Thesaddle side portions 660 and 662 are adapted to be resiliently biasedoutwardly against the gutter sidewalls, so as to seal the saddle 652against moisture leakage from the gutter. The saddle 652 has a generallyvertical saddle hole 668 extending from the outer surface 664 through tothe inner surface 666.

A mounting sleeve 670 has an upper end 672 attached to the saddle outersurface 664, and extending downward to a lower end 674. The mountingsleeve 670 is generally circular in cross-section, and has apredetermined diameter. The mounting sleeve 670 has a mounting sleevecentral axis and a mounting sleeve bore 676 through the mounting sleeve670 and in communication with the saddle hole 668. A plurality offlexible annular rings 690 encircles the mounting sleeve 670 formounting the gutter drain 650 in the gutter-mounting hole. The annularrings 690 have a diameter greater than the gutter-mounting holepredetermined diameter.

A nozzle 678 has a proximal end 680 disposed below the mounting sleevelower end 674, and extending outward to a distal end 682. The nozzle 678is generally circular in cross-section. The nozzle 678 has an outersurface 684, and a nozzle central axis. The nozzle 678 has a nozzle bore686 through it in communication with the mounting sleeve bore 676. Thenozzle 678 is adapted to receive a resilient drain tube (not shown). Thenozzle 678 has at least one annular ridge 688 encircling the nozzleouter surface 684. The annular ridge 688 is adapted to retain the draintube on the nozzle 678.

The mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis aredisposed at a predetermined angle to one another, defining a nozzleplane. The saddle plane and the nozzle plane are generallyperpendicular. An elbow 692 joins the mounting, sleeve and the nozzle.The elbow 692 has a bore 694 in communication with the mounting sleevebore 676 and the nozzle bore 686.

The gutter drain 650 differs from gutter drain 50 disclosed above, inthat gutter drain 50 has a generally U-shaped saddle 52 having across-section of a constant radius arc. The gutter drain 650 has agenerally U-shaped saddle 652 having saddle side portions extendingstraight at an angle to each other. The manner of installing gutterdrain 65G is the same as that of gutter drain 50 disclosed above.

A gutter draining method is disclosed for draining the gutter, thegutter draining method comprising the steps: of providing a gutter drainhaving a generally U-shaped saddle, and extending a pair of opposed sideportions upward from a bottom portion of the saddle. Then, attaching amounting sleeve to the saddle, extending the mounting sleeve downward,and encircling the mounting sleeve with a plurality of flexible annularrings. Next, disposing a nozzle below the mounting sleeve and extendingthe nozzle outward.

Following this, juxtaposing the saddle over the gutter-mounting hole,striking the gutter drain with a hammer so that the mounting sleeveenters the gutter mounting hole, and driving the gutter drain downwardwith the hammer so that the saddle is seated in the gutter floor. As aresult, each of the saddle side portions is adjacent a respective gutter

The next step is biasing the saddle side portions resiliently outwardagainst the gutter sidewalls, and sealing the saddle against moistureleakage from the gutter with the biasing of the saddle side portions.Then, allowing the flexible annular rings to bend upward in response tothe mounting sleeve entering the gutter-mounting hole. This results inbiasing the annular rings resiliently outward against the mounting,hole, thereby retaining the gutter drain in the gutter with the biasingof the annular rings, and sealing the gutter drain against water leakagewith the biasing of the annular rings. Lastly, adapting the nozzle toreceive a drain tube, for draining the gutter.

Further steps comprise: encircling the nozzle outer surface with atleast one annular ridge, and adapting the annular ridge to retain thedrain tube on the nozzle.

Yet further steps comprise: disposing the nozzle collinear with themounting sleeve. Then, adapting the nozzle to receive the drain tubegenerally vertically, for draining the gutter downward.

Alternative steps comprise: disposing the nozzle and the mounting sleeveat a predetermined angle to one another. Then, adapting the nozzle toreceive the drain tube transversely, for draining the guttertransversely outward. Finally, joining the mounting sleeve and thenozzle with an elbow.

Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention willbe apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoingdescription. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the best mode of carrying out the invention. Details of thestructure may be varied substantially without departing from the spiritof the invention and the exclusive use of all modifications that willcome within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.

PARTS LIST U-Shaped Gutter Drain Part

No. Description

-   30 gutter-   32 gutter floor-   34 gutter side wall-   36 gutter side wall-   38 gutter inside surface-   40 gutter mounting hole-   42 gutter outer flange-   44 gutter inner flange-   46 boat deck-   48 deck frame-   50 gutter drain-   52 U-shaped saddle-   54 saddle first end-   56 saddle second end-   58 saddle bottom portion-   60 saddle side portion-   62 saddle side portion-   64 saddle outer surface-   66 saddle inner surface-   68 saddle hole-   70 mounting sleeve-   72 mounting sleeve upper end-   74 mounting sleeve lower end-   76 mounting sleeve bore-   78 nozzle-   80 nozzle proximal end-   82 nozzle distal end-   84 nozzle outer surface-   86 nozzle bore-   88 nozzle annular ridge-   90 annular rings-   92 elbow-   94 elbow bore-   150 gutter drain-   152 U-shaped saddle-   154 saddle first end-   156 saddle second end-   158 saddle bottom portion-   160 saddle side portion-   162 saddle side portion-   164 saddle outer surface-   166 saddle inner surface-   168 saddle hole-   170 mounting sleeve-   172 mounting sleeve upper end-   174 mounting sleeve lower end-   176 mounting sleeve bore-   178 nozzle-   180 nozzle proximal end-   182 nozzle distal end-   184 nozzle outer surface-   186 nozzle bore-   188 nozzle annular ridge-   190 annular rings-   192 elbow-   194 elbow bore-   250 gutter drain-   252 U-shaped saddle-   254 saddle first end-   256 saddle second end-   258 saddle bottom portion-   260 saddle side portion-   262 saddle side portion-   264 saddle outer surface-   266 saddle inner surface-   268 saddle hole-   270 mounting sleeve-   272 mounting sleeve upper end-   274 mounting sleeve lower end-   276 mounting sleeve bore-   278 nozzle-   280 nozzle proximal end-   282 nozzle distal end-   284 nozzle outer surface-   286 nozzle bore-   288 nozzle annular ridge-   290 annular rings-   350 gutter drain-   352 U-shaped saddle-   354 saddle first end-   356 saddle second end-   358 saddle bottom portion-   360 saddle side portion-   364 saddle outer surface-   362 saddle side portion-   366 saddle inner surface-   368 saddle hole-   370 mounting sleeve-   372 mounting sleeve upper end-   374 mounting sleeve lower end.-   376 mounting sleeve bore-   378 nozzle-   380 nozzle proximal end-   382 nozzle distal end-   384 nozzle outer surface-   386 nozzle bore-   388 nozzle annular ridge-   390 annular rings-   392 elbow-   394 elbow bore-   450 gutter drain-   452 U-shaped saddle-   454 saddle first end-   456 saddle second end-   458 saddle bottom portion-   460 saddle side portion-   462 saddle side portion-   464 saddle outer surface-   466 saddle inner surface-   468 saddle hole-   470 mounting sleeve-   472 mounting sleeve upper end-   474 mounting sleeve lower end-   476 mounting sleeve bore-   478 nozzle-   480 nozzle proximal end-   482 nozzle distal end-   484 nozzle outer surface-   486 nozzle bore-   488 nozzle annular ridge-   490 annular rings-   492 elbow-   494 elbow bore-   550 gutter drain-   552 U-shaped saddle-   554 saddle first end-   556 saddle second end-   558 saddle bottom portion-   560 saddle side portion-   562 saddle side portion-   564 saddle outer surface-   566 saddle inner surface-   568 saddle hole-   570 mounting sleeve-   572 mounting sleeve upper end-   574 mounting sleeve lower end-   576 mounting sleeve bore-   578 nozzle-   580 nozzle proximal end-   582 nozzle distal end-   584 nozzle outer surface-   586 nozzle bore-   588 nozzle annular ridge-   590 annular rings-   592 elbow-   594 elbow bore-   650 gutter drain-   652 U-shaped saddle-   654 saddle first end-   656 saddle second end-   658 saddle bottom portion-   660 saddle side portion-   662 saddle side portion-   664 saddle outer surface-   666 saddle inner surface-   668 saddle hole-   670 mounting sleeve-   672 mounting sleeve upper end-   674 mounting sleeve lower end-   676 mounting sleeve bore-   678 nozzle-   680 nozzle proximal end-   682 nozzle distal end-   684 nozzle outer surface-   686 nozzle bore-   688 nozzle annular ridge-   690 annular rings-   692 elbow-   694 elbow bore

1. A gutter drain, for use in connection with a gutter around an openingof a vehicle roof, the gutter having a generally horizontal floor and apair of opposed side walls extending upward from the floor, the gutterhaving an inside surface, the gutter having a mounting holetherethrough, the gutter drain comprising: a generally U-shaped saddleextending between opposite first and second ends along a generallyvertical saddle plane, the saddle having a bottom portion and a pair ofopposed side portions extending upward from the bottom portion on eitherside of the saddle plane, the saddle having an outer surface and anopposite inner surface, the saddle outer surface being adapted toconform closely to the gutter inside surface, with the saddle bottomportion adjacent the gutter floor, and each of the saddle side portionsadjacent a respective gutter side wall, the saddle side portions adaptedto be resiliently biased outwardly against the gutter side walls, so asto seal the saddle against moisture leakage from the gutter, the saddlehaving a generally vertical saddle hole extending from the outer surfacethrough to the inner surface; a mounting sleeve having an upper endattached to the saddle outer surface, the mounting sleeve extendingdownward to a lower end, the mounting sleeve being generally circular incross-section, the mounting sleeve having a predetermined diameter, themounting sleeve having a mounting sleeve central axis and a mountingsleeve bore therethrough in communication with the saddle hole; a nozzlehaving a proximal end disposed below the mounting sleeve lower end, thenozzle extending outward to a distal end, the nozzle being generallycircular in cross-section, the nozzle having an outer surface, thenozzle having a nozzle central axis and a nozzle bore therethrough incommunication with the mounting sleeve bore, the nozzle being adapted toreceive a drain tube; and mounting means for mounting the gutter drainin the gutter-mounting hole.
 2. The gutter drain of claim 1, wherein themounting means further comprises: at least one flexible annular ringencircling the mounting sleeve, the annular ring having a predetermineddiameter; and the mounting hole having a diameter greater than themounting sleeve predetermined diameter, and less than the annular ringpredetermined diameter; so that upon assembly, the mounting sleeve willbe disposed over the mounting hole, the gutter drain will be drivendownward by a hammer blow, the mounting sleeve will enter the mountinghole, the annular ring will deflect resiliently upward against themounting hole, the saddle outer surface will be seated in the gutter,and the annular ring will be resiliently biased against the mountinghole, thereby retaining the gutter drain in the gutter and sealing thegutter drain against water leakage.
 3. The gutter drain of claim 1,wherein the nozzle further comprises at least one annular ridgeencircling the nozzle outer surface, the annular ridge being adapted toretain the drain tube on the nozzle.
 4. The gutter drain of claim 1,wherein: the nozzle proximal end is attached to the mounting sleevelower end; and the mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle centralaxis are collinear.
 5. The gutter drain of claim 1, further comprising:the mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis beingdisposed at a predetermined angle to one another; a nozzle plane definedby the mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis, thenozzle plane and the saddle plane being generally parallel; and an elbowjoining the mounting sleeve and the nozzle, the elbow having a bore incommunication with the mounting sleeve bore and the nozzle bore.
 6. Thegutter drain of claim 1, further comprising: the mounting sleeve centralaxis and the nozzle central axis being disposed at a predetermined angleto one another; a nozzle plane defined by the mounting sleeve centralaxis and the nozzle central axis, the nozzle plane and the saddle planebeing generally perpendicular; and an elbow joining the mounting sleeveand the nozzle, the elbow having a bore in communication with themounting sleeve bore and the nozzle bore.
 7. A gutter drain, for use inconnection with a gutter around an opening of a vehicle roof, the gutterhaving a generally horizontal floor and a pair of opposed side wallsextending upward from the floor, the gutter having an inside surface,the gutter having a mounting hole therethrough with a predetermineddiameter, the gutter drain comprising: a generally U-shaped saddleextending between opposite first and second ends along a generallyvertical saddle plane, the saddle having a bottom portion and a pair ofopposed side portions extending upward from the bottom portion on eitherside of the saddle plane, the saddle having an outer surface and anopposite inner surface, the saddle outer surface being adapted toconform closely to the gutter inside surface, with the saddle bottomportion adjacent the gutter floor, and each of the saddle side portionsadjacent a respective gutter side wall, the saddle side portions adaptedto be resiliently biased outwardly against the gutter side walls, so asto seal the saddle against moisture leakage from the gutter, the saddlehaving a generally vertical caddie hole extending from the outer surfacethrough to the inner surface; a mounting sleeve having an upper endattached to the saddle outer surface, the mounting sleeve extendingdownward to a lower end, the mounting sleeve being generally circular incross-section, the mounting sleeve having a predetermined diameter, themounting sleeve having a mounting sleeve central axis and a mountingsleeve bore therethrough in communication with the saddle hole; a nozzlehaving a proximal end disposed below the mounting sleeve lower end, thenozzle extending outward to a distal end, the nozzle being generallycircular in cross-section, the nozzle having an outer surface, thenozzle having a nozzle central axis and a nozzle bore therethrough incommunication with the mounting sleeve bore, the nozzle being adapted toreceive a drain tube; and at least one flexible annular ring encirclingthe mounting sleeve for mounting the gutter drain in the gutter mountinghole, the annular ring having a diameter greater than the mounting holepredetermined diameter; so that upon assembly, the mounting sleeve willbe disposed over the mounting hole, the gutter drain will be drivendownward by a hammer blow, the mounting sleeve will enter the mountinghole, the annular ring will deflect resiliently upward against themounting hole, the saddle outer surface will be seated in the gutter,and the annular ring will be resiliently biased against the mountinghole, thereby retaining the gutter drain in the gutter and sealing thegutter drain against water leakage.
 8. The gutter drain of claim 7,wherein the nozzle further comprises at least one annular ridgeencircling the nozzle outer surface, the annular ridge being adapted toretain the drain tube on the nozzle.
 9. The gutter drain of claim 7,wherein: the nozzle proximal end is attached to the mounting sleevelower end; and the mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle centralaxis are collinear.
 10. The gutter drain of claim 7, further comprising:the mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis beingdisposed at a predetermined angle to one another; a nozzle plane definedby the mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis, thenozzle plane and the saddle plane being generally parallel; and an elbowjoining the mounting sleeve and the nozzle, the elbow having a bore incommunication with the mounting sleeve bore and the nozzle bore, theelbow having an axis where the elbow and the nozzle are joined.
 11. Thegutter drain of claim 10, wherein the predetermined angle between themounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle central axis is greater thanninety degrees, so as to minimize the mounting hole diameter, tofacilitate installation of the gutter drain into the mounting hole, andto completely drain water in the event that the boat is heeled away froma level condition while in storage.
 12. The gutter drain of claim 10,wherein the nozzle central axis is offset downward from the elbow axis,so as to minimize the mounting hole diameter, and to facilitateinstallation of the gutter drain into the mounting hole.
 13. The gutterdrain of claim 7, further comprising: the mounting sleeve central axisand the nozzle central axis being disposed at a predetermined angle toone another; a nozzle plane defined by the mounting sleeve central axisand the nozzle central axis, the nozzle plane and the saddle plane beinggenerally perpendicular; and an elbow joining the mounting sleeve andthe nozzle, the elbow having a bore in communication with the mountingsleeve bore and the nozzle bore, the elbow having an axis where theelbow and the nozzle are joined.
 14. The gutter drain of claim 13,wherein the predetermined angle between the mounting sleeve central axisand the nozzle central axis is greater than ninety degrees, so as tominimize the mounting hole diameter, to facilitate installation of thegutter drain into the mounting hole, and to completely drain water inthe event that the boat is heeled away from a level condition while instorage.
 15. The gutter drain of claim 13, wherein the nozzle centralaxis is offset downward from the elbow axis, so as to minimize themounting hole diameter, and to facilitate installation of the gutterdrain into the mounting hole.
 16. A gutter draining method for draininga gutter around an opening of a vehicle roof, the gutter having agenerally horizontal floor and a pair of opposed side walls extendingupward from the floor, the gutter having an inside surface, the gutterhaving a mounting hole therethrough with a predetermined diameter, thegutter draining method comprising the steps of: providing a gutter drainhaving a generally U-shaped saddle; extending a pair of opposed sideportions upward from a bottom portion of the saddle; attaching amounting sleeve to the saddle and extending the mounting sleevedownward; encircling the mounting sleeve with a plurality of flexibleannular rings; disposing a nozzle below the mounting sleeve andextending the nozzle outward; juxtaposing the saddle over thegutter-mounting hole; striking the gutter drain with a hammer so thatthe mounting sleeve enters the gutter-mounting hole; driving the gutterdrain downward with the hammer so that the saddle is seated in thegutter floor, and each of the saddle side portions is adjacent arespective gutter sidewall; biasing the saddle side portions resilientlyoutward against the gutter sidewalls; sealing the saddle againstmoisture leakage from the gutter with the biasing of the saddle sideportions; allowing the flexible annular rings to bend upward in responseto the mounting sleeve entering the gutter-mounting hole; biasing theannular rings resiliently outward against the mounting hole; retainingthe gutter drain in the gutter with the biasing of the annular rings;sealing the gutter drain against water leakage with the biasing of theannular rings; and adapting the nozzle to receive a drain tube, fordraining the gutter.
 17. The gutter draining method of claim 16, furthercomprising the steps of: encircling the nozzle outer surface with atleast one annular ridge; and adapting the annular ridge to retain thedrain tube on the nozzle.
 18. The gutter draining method of claim 16,further comprising the steps of disposing the nozzle collinear with themounting sleeve; and adapting the nozzle to receive the drain tubegenerally vertically, for draining the gutter downward.
 19. The gutterdraining method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of: disposingthe nozzle and the mounting sleeve at a predetermined angle to oneanother; adapting the nozzle to receive the drain tube transversely, fordraining the gutter transversely outward; and joining the mountingsleeve and the nozzle with an elbow.
 20. The gutter draining method ofclaim 19, further comprising the steps of: setting the predeterminedangle between the mounting sleeve central axis and the nozzle centralaxis to an angle greater than ninety degrees; minimizing the mountinghole diameter by the angle greater than ninety degrees, therebyfacilitating installation of the gutter drain into the mounting hole;and draining water completely, by the angle greater than ninety degrees,in the event that the boat is heeling away from a level condition whilein storage.